1588 Civil Servants in the Race for PM’s Excellence Award — But Who Judges the Judges?
Shimla/New Delhi, February 22, 2025: As many as 1588 civil servants from across India claim to have revolutionized public administration.
They are now competing for the Prime Minister’s Awards for Excellence in Public Administration, 2024. But questions loom large over the selection process.
Top bureaucrats from the Central Secretariat dominate the judging committees.
No independent experts from governance, social development, or public policy fields are involved. Critics say this raises doubts about the awards' credibility.
This year, nominations have come from 710 districts, covering 92% of the country. The awards are split into three categories:
1. Holistic Development of Districts: This category has 437 nominations competing for five awards. It focuses on 11 priority government programs.
2. Aspirational Blocks Program: This category has 426 entries competing for five awards. It highlights development in backward blocks.
3. Innovations: This category has the highest number of nominations—725—competing for six awards. It encourages creative solutions in governance.
The nomination portal was launched on January 20, 2025. It remained open from January 27 to February 21, 2025. The government has praised the enthusiastic response, especially from aspirational blocks. But many question whether the selection process is truly fair and transparent.
The awards follow a three-tier selection process:
Screening Committee: This committee shortlists nominations. It is chaired by Additional Secretaries.
Expert Committee: This committee evaluates the shortlisted entries. It is chaired by the Secretary of the Department of Administrative Reforms and Public Grievances (DARPG).
Empowered Committee: This committee finalizes recommendations. It is led by the Cabinet Secretary. The Prime Minister gives the final approval.
However, all three committees are dominated by senior bureaucrats. With no independent oversight, the process risks becoming an echo chamber.
Critics argue it may reward those who align with the government’s narrative, not those driving real change.
Each winner will receive a trophy, a scroll, and Rs. 20 lakh. The money is meant to support future projects or bridge resource gaps.
The awards will be presented by the Prime Minister on April 21, 2025. The event will take place at Vigyan Bhawan, New Delhi, during Civil Services Day.
While the government promotes the awards as a way to foster innovation and accountability, many are skeptical.
With only 16 winners chosen from 1588 applicants, the competition is fierce. Yet, without independent judges, the awards risk being seen as bureaucratic self-congratulation.
All eyes are now on April 21. The question is not just who will win—but whether the system itself can win back public trust.
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